Former Marine Claims Six Flags Denied Him Admission Because of Shirt with Gun

16 Aug 2014

Former Marine and Iraq War veteran Mario Alejandro claims Six Flags Great Adventure refused him entrance to the park because he was wearing a shirt bearing the image of an AR-15 in red, white, and blue.

The pro-military sleeveless shirt with the words “Keep Calm and Return Fire” emblazoned in red, white, and blue was a Father’s Day gift from Alejandro’s family.

According to NJ.com, Alejandro and his family were entering Six Flags on August 9, when a security guard spotted the shirt, walked up to Alejandro, and allegedly said, “I can’t let you into the park with that shirt on. That shirt’s offensive.”

Alejandro responded by telling the guard he had served in the Iraq War and was wearing the shirt because it was pro-military. The guard then allegedly told Alejandro to either take the shirt off or “buy another shirt to put over it.”

According to the veteran, the guard eventually grabbed his arm and told him to “get out of the park.” He and his family then left.

Recalling the situation, Alejandro said, “I just told my son to remember this day. To remember how they treat veterans.”

Six Flags Great Adventure spokeswoman Kristin B. Siebeneicher said they are reviewing the incident.

She also said:

Our goal is to maintain a fun, safe and family-friendly environment. Our dress code does not permit clothing with vulgar, offensive or violent language or images. If a guest is wearing such attire, we ask them to remove and replace it with another item of clothing; and if they do not have one, they are able to purchase a replacement item at a gift shop.